End-of-faucet filter

ABSTRACT

Various embodiments of an end-of-faucet filter assembly connectable with a faucet on a standard sink and having a plurality of outlets corresponding with selectable modes of operation are disclosed herein. One mode of operation provides unfiltered, aerated water dispensed from the filter assembly. A second mode of operation provides a pulsing jet spray, while a third mode of operation provides filtered water. One embodiment of the present invention also includes a connection assembly between the end-of-faucet filter and the faucet that utilizes a water-tight radial seal that allows the end-of-faucet filter to swing or rotate back and forth relative to the faucet without impairing the integrity of the seal. Other embodiments of the present invention also include a filter cartridge assembly configured to provide a user with an easy method of removing and installing the cartridge.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 60/507,990, entitled “End-of-Faucet Filter,” filed on Oct. 1,2003, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/583,699,entitled “End-of-Faucet Filter,” filed on Jun. 28, 2004, which are bothhereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety as thoughfully set forth.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

a. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to water filters, and more particularly, to afilter apparatus including selectable filtered water, pulsating water,and aerated water output functions for dispensing water from a faucet.

b. Background Art

A variety of filter systems exist having various designs andconfigurations that filter water dispensed directly from a faucet orother tap. Some filter systems have a connection assembly includingfittings and seals that allows a user to connect the filter systemsdirectly to the end of a faucet. Further, some filter systems provide areplaceable filter cartridge. With such filter systems, once a filterhas reached the end of its useful life, a user can remove the old filterand replace it with a new one. However, some of the aforementionedfilter systems are relatively large and can be a nuisance to a userperforming various activities in a sink that do not require filteredwater, such as washing dishes. Often such filter systems do not providethe user with the ability to move or swing the filter system relative tothe faucet to place the filter system in a more convenient locationwithout compromising the seal between the filter system and the faucet.Further, many filter assemblies include complicated connection schemesthat make it difficult for user to replace a filter.

Some filter systems also provide a knob or a switch that allows a userto selectively operate the filter system to dispense either filteredwater or unfiltered water. Typically, once a user selects a mode ofoperation with the knob, the knob remains in the selected position untilthe user changes it. As such, sometimes the user inadvertently operatesthe filter system to dispense filtered water when it is not required todo so, which needlessly wastes the useful life of the filter. Inaddition, many filter systems only provide for filtered and unfilteredoperation without any other modes of operation.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the present invention takes the form of a filterapparatus connectable to a faucet and providing various modes ofoperation, an easily replaceable and relatively compact filter cartridgeassembly, and/or a connection assembly that allows a user to move orswing the filter apparatus relative to the faucet without compromisingthe seal. More particularly, one embodiment of the present inventiontakes the form of an end-of-faucet filter connectable with a faucet on astandard sink and providing three modes of operation. A first modeprovides unfiltered, aerated water dispensed from a first outlet. Asecond mode provides a jet spray from a second outlet. The second modecan also be configured to provide a pulsating jet spray from the secondoutlet. A third mode provides filtered water from a third outlet. Thefilter also includes a carbon filter block, which permits the filter tooccupy a relatively small volume.

In one embodiment, a filter apparatus adapted to connect with a faucetincludes a header assembly, which includes an inlet operative to accepta fluid flow; a first outlet operative to receive the fluid flow fromthe inlet; and a second outlet operative to receive the fluid flow fromthe inlet. The filter apparatus also includes a filter cartridgeassembly operatively coupled to the header assembly. The filtercartridge is operative to receive the fluid flow from the inlet andtransmit the fluid flow to at least on of the first and second outlets,further operative to convert the fluid flow into a filtered fluid flow.The filter apparatus further includes an actuator mechanism coupled withthe header assembly and selectively operable to fluidly couple the inletwith the first outlet, further selectively operable to fluidly couplethe inlet with the second outlet, and a turbine having at least oneblade and operative to at least momentarily interrupt the fluid flowthrough the first outlet, creating a pulsed spray exiting the firstoutlet.

In another embodiment, a filter apparatus adapted to connect with afaucet includes a header assembly including an inlet operative to accepta fluid flow and a first outlet operative to receive the fluid flow fromthe inlet. The filter apparatus also includes a filter cartridgeassembly operatively coupled to the header assembly, the filtercartridge operative to receive the fluid flow from the inlet andtransmit the fluid flow to the first outlet, and a filter disposedwithin the filter cartridge assembly, the filter having a volume nogreater than about 6.88 cubic inches.

In yet another embodiment, a water filter apparatus includes: a headerassembly having an inlet and at least one outlet; a filter cartridgeassembly operatively coupled to the header assembly; and an actuatormechanism operatively coupled to the header assembly and selectivelyoperable to place the filter apparatus in one of at least three modes ofoperation.

In still another embodiment, a water filter apparatus includes: a headerassembly having and inlet and at least one outlet; a filter cartridgeassembly operatively coupled to the header assembly; and a connectionassembly adapted to connect the inlet with a faucet and including awater-tight seal between the inlet and the faucet. The connectionassembly allows the header assembly to pivot about the faucet withoutcompromising the water-tight seal.

In still another embodiment, a filter apparatus adapted to connect witha faucet includes: a header assembly having an inlet and three outlets;a means for filtering operatively coupled with the header assembly; anda means for selectively fluidly coupling the inlet with any one of thethree outlets.

In still another embodiment, a filter apparatus, includes: an inletoperative to receive a water flow; a first valve operative to accept thewater flow from the inlet; a second valve operatively connected to theinlet; and an actuator mechanism operative to divert the water flow tothe first valve by occupying a first position, further operative todivert the water flow to the second valve by occupying a secondposition; and a filter operative to receive the water flow from thefirst valve. After occupying one of the first and second positions for aperiod of time, the actuator mechanism occupies a third position.

The features, utilities, and advantages of various embodiments of theinvention will be apparent from the following description of embodimentsof the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings and definedin the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an end-of-faucet filter connected with afaucet.

FIG. 2 is a bottom isometric view of the end-of-faucet filter in a firstmode of operation.

FIG. 3 is a bottom isometric view of the end-of-faucet filter in asecond mode of operation.

FIG. 4 is a bottom isometric view of the end-of-faucet filter in a thirdmode of operation.

FIG. 5 is a right isometric view of the end-of-faucet filter shown inFIG. 1 from a top front perspective.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the end-of-faucet filter FIG. 5 showing afilter cartridge separated from a header assembly.

FIG. 6A is a view of filter cartridge depicted in FIG. 6, illustratedalong line 6A-6A.

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of filter cartridge assembly depictedin FIG. 6A, taken along line 6B-6B.

FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view of filter cartridge assembly depictedin FIG. 6A, taken along line 6C-6C.

FIG. 6D is a cross-sectional view of filter cartridge assembly depictedin FIG. 6A, taken along line 6D-6D.

FIG. 7 is a right isometric view of the end-of-faucet filter shown inFIG. 1 from a top rear perspective.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the end-of-faucet filter FIG. 7 showing afilter cartridge separated from a header assembly.

FIGS. 9A-9E are an exploded isometric view of the header assembly of theend-of-faucet filter according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 10A is a right rear isometric view of a manifold.

FIG. 10B is a left rear isometric view of the manifold.

FIG. 10C is a bottom right isometric view of the manifold.

FIG. 10D is a right top isometric view of the manifold.

FIG. 10E is an isometric cross-sectional view of the inlet cup of themanifold.

FIG. 11 is a top isometric view of the end-of-faucet filter in a firstmode of operation.

FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view of the end-of-faucet filter depictedin FIG. 11, taken along line 11A-11A.

FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view of the end-of-faucet filter depictedin FIG. 11A, taken along line 11B-11B.

FIG. 11C is a cross-sectional view of the end-of-faucet filter depictedin FIG. 11A, taken along line 11C-11C.

FIG. 11D is a cross-sectional view of the end-of-faucet filter depictedin FIG. 11A, taken along line 11D-11D.

FIG. 11E is a cross-sectional view of the end-of-faucet filter depictedin FIG. 11A, taken along line 11E-11E.

FIG. 12A is a rear bottom isometric view of the valve body.

FIG. 12B is a rear top isometric view of the valve body partially cutaway.

FIG. 12C is a left bottom isometric view of the valve body.

FIG. 12D is a right side isometric view of the valve body.

FIG. 12E is a bottom side isometric view of the valve body.

FIG. 13 is a top isometric view of the end-of-faucet filter in a secondmode of operation.

FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view of the end-of-faucet filter depictedin FIG. 13, taken along line 13A-13A.

FIG. 14 is a top isometric view of the end-of-faucet filter in a secondmode of operation.

FIG. 14A is a cross-sectional view of the end-of-faucet filter depictedin FIG. 14, taken along line 14A-14A.

FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view of the end-of-faucet filter depictedin FIG. 14A, taken along line 14B-14B.

FIG. 15 is a right side view of the end-of-faucet filter shown in FIG.1.

FIG. 15A is a cross-sectional view of end-of-faucet filter depicted inFIG. 15, taken along line 15A-15A.

FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the end-of-faucet filter shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional view of end-of-faucet filter depicted inFIG. 16, taken along line 16A-16A.

FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view of end-of-faucet filter depicted inFIG. 16, taken along line 16B-16B.

FIG. 17 is a front view of the end-of-faucet filter shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 17A is a cross-sectional view of end-of-faucet filter depicted inFIG. 17, taken along line 17A-17A.

FIG. 18 is a top view of the end-of-faucet filter shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 18A is a cross-sectional view of end-of-faucet filter depicted inFIG. 18, taken along line 18A-18A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the present invention takes the form of anend-of-faucet filter connectable with a faucet on a standard sink andhaving a plurality of outlets corresponding with selectable modes ofoperation. Another embodiment of the present invention includes aconnection assembly between the end-of-faucet filter and the faucet thatutilizes a water-tight radial seal allowing the end-of-faucet filter toswing or rotate back and forth relative to the faucet without impairingthe integrity of the seal. Other embodiments of the present inventioninclude a filter cartridge assembly configured to provide a user with aneasy method of removing and installing the cartridge. While the presentinvention is discussed below with reference to three modes of operation,it is to be appreciated that other embodiments of can include more orless than three modes of operation. In addition, each of these modes maybe combined in any combination into a single outlet.

FIG. 1 shows an end-of-faucet filter 100, according to one embodiment ofthe present invention, connected with a discharge end 102 of a faucet104 suspended over a sink 106. When a user opens a valve 108 on thesink, such as a hot or cold water valve, water flows into and throughthe faucet and discharges into the end-of-faucet filter. The water thenflows through the end-of-faucet filter and is discharged from an outleton the end-of-faucet filter. The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 includesthree different outlets that correspond with three different modes ofoperation, as illustrated in FIGS. 2-4. The end-of-faucet filter furtherincludes an actuator mechanism 110 having an actuator switch 112 thatallows a user to select a desired mode of operation. As discussed inmore detail below, movement of the actuator switch 112 manipulates thepositions of one or more valves within the end-of-faucet filter, which,in turn, affects the flow path of the water through the end-of-faucetfilter. In a first mode of operation shown in FIG. 2, the actuatorswitch 112 is located in a mid-position 114, and unfiltered, aeratedwater 116 is dispensed from the end-of-faucet filter 100 through a firstoutlet 118. FIG. 3 shows a second mode of operation, wherein theactuator switch 112 is located in a rearward position 120, correspondingto a jet spray discharge 122 from the end-of-faucet filter 100 through asecond outlet 124. As discussed in more detail below, the end-of-faucetfilter can also be configured to provide a pulsating jet spray from thesecond outlet. A third mode of operation is shown in FIG. 4, wherein theactuator switch 112 is located in a forward position 126, and filteredwater 128 is correspondingly discharged from the end-of-faucet filter100 through a third outlet 130.

The external features and outer housing 132 of the end-of-faucet filter100 are shown in FIGS. 1-8. As shown in FIGS. 5-8, the end-of-faucetfilter 100 includes a filter cartridge assembly 134 removably connectedwith a header assembly 136. As discussed in more detail below, thefilter cartridge assembly 134 is both mechanically and fluidly coupledwith the header assembly 136.

The header assembly 136 is adapted to connect with the faucet of astandard sink by engaging the threading of the faucet outlet exposedupon the removal of an end cap from the faucet. As discussed in moredetail below with reference to FIGS. 9A-9E, the header assembly alsoincludes a flow path assembly 138 directing water from a fluid inlet tothe three outlets. Valves adapted to engage the manifold are used todirect water to various ducts in the flow path assembly. In someembodiments of the present invention, the user can also manipulate thevalves through the actuator mechanism 110.

FIGS. 9A-9E are an exploded isometric view of the header assembly 136 ofthe end-of-faucet filter 100 showing its various components in detail.As used herein, the terms front, back, left, right, top, bottom, upper,and lower indicate positions and portions of components of theend-of-faucet filter relative to the views defined above in thedescription of FIGS. 1-8. The header assembly 136 includes a housing140, a faucet attachment portion 142, a filter attachment portion 144,the flow path assembly 138, and three outlets. Viewing the headerassembly from the front, the faucet attachment portion 142 is on theright and the filter attachment portion 144 is on the left. It is to beappreciated that the orientation of these portions as shown in thefigures is merely a matter of design choice and that these portions canbe reversed or otherwise modified. As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the firstoutlet 118, the second outlet 124, and the third outlet 130 are locatedon a bottom side 146 of the header assembly 136. Viewing the headerassembly from the bottom, the first outlet 118 is located on the right,the third outlet 130 is located on the left, and the second outlet 124is located between the first and third outlets. As discussed in moredetail below, the flow path assembly includes various components, suchas the manifold, that are located inside the housing of the headerassembly.

As shown in FIGS. 9A-9C, the housing 140 of the header assembly 136 isdefined by an upper header housing 148 and a lower housing 150 that arereleasably, but fixedly, attached together with housing clasps 152located about a perimeter interface 154 between the upper and lowerhousings. For reference, the upper and lower housings partiallyencapsulate a manifold 156. The upper housing 148 and the lower housing150 also each include two receptacle posts 158 adapted to receiveopposing alignment posts 160 protruding from the manifold 156. Thealignment posts 160 are received within the receptacle posts 158 and actto secure the manifold 156 in place between the upper and lower housingsas well as align the upper housing with the lower housing.

The faucet attachment portion 142 includes a faucet connection assembly162 that releaslably connects the end-of-faucet filter 100 with thefaucet. As shown in FIGS. 9A-9B, the faucet connection assembly 162includes components that are located internally and externally withrespect to the housing 140 of the header assembly 136. Moreparticularly, the faucet connection assembly 162 includes a nipple 164and collar 166 coupled with an inlet cup 168 that is integral with themanifold 156. As shown in FIGS. 10A-10E and 11BB, the inlet cup 168 issubstantially cylindrically-shaped and includes a bottom portion 170with an internal base 172 located inside the header housing 140 and hasa sidewall 174 extending upward from the bottom portion 170 through anupper aperture 176 in the upper housing. The sidewall 174 of the inletcup 168 includes external threading 178 adapted to engage internalthreading 180 on the collar 166, as discussed in more detail below.

Referring to FIGS. 9A-9B and 11B-11C, the nipple 164 includes asubstantially cylindrically-shaped sidewall 182 defining a lumen 184having internal threading 186 located on the sidewall 182 near a top endportion 188 of the nipple. The internal threading 186 located on the topend portion 188 of the nipple 164 is adapted to engage an externallythreaded outlet 190 of the faucet 104. It is to be appreciated thatvarious embodiments of the present invention can utilize differentnipples having various types of the threading adaptable to various kindsof faucet outlets. For example, one embodiment of the present inventionincludes a nipple adapted to threadedly engage a standard faucet such asthose found in most consumer or commercial sinks. Upper 192 and lowerannular flanges 194 protrude outwardly from the sidewall 182 of thenipple 164, defining a channel 196 therebetween adapted to retain anO-ring 198 that fits circumferentially around the nipple. As discussedin more detail below, the O-ring 198 engages the inside of the sidewall174 of the inlet cup 168 to create a water-tight seal between the nipple164 and the inlet cup 168.

As shown in FIGS. 9A and 11B-11C, a flange 200, located generallymedially with respect to the length of the nipple 164, extends radiallyinward from the sidewall 182 of the nipple 164 and defines a lobedaperture 202 within the lumen 184 of the nipple. The lobed aperture 202can be configured to receive a specially shaped wrench or other tool fortightening the nipple onto the faucet outlet. It is to be appreciatedthat having the lobed aperture inside the lumen of the nipple is merelya design choice; other embodiments of the present invention can includeapertures having other shapes. Other embodiments do not have an aperturelocated inside the nipple, and, as such, the nipple defines a uniformlumen without a medial flange. Still, other embodiments include a raisedridge 204, as shown in FIGS. 10D-10E, formed within the inlet cup 168adapted to support a screen for removing particulates from the water.Such a screen can be located within a lower end portion 206 of thenipple 164 below the lobed aperture 202.

To connect the end-of-faucet filter 100 with the faucet, an end cap (notshown) on the faucet outlet 190 is first removed, which exposes externalthreading 208 on the faucet outlet. Referring to FIGS. 11B-11C, the userthen places the O-ring 198 on the nipple 164 between the upper flange192 and the lower annular flange 194. Next, the user places the collar166 onto the nipple 164 such that the upper end portion 188 of thenipple 164 extends through an aperture 210 defined by a rim 212 on thetop of the collar 166. The collar slides down the upper portion 188 ofthe nipple 164 until the rim 210 engages the upper annular flange 192 onthe nipple. Next, the nipple 164 is screwed onto the faucet outlet 190by engaging the internal threading 186 on the top end portion of thenipple 164 with the eternal threading 208 on the faucet outlet 190. Ifthe nipple 164 includes the lobed aperture 202 discussed above, thenipple can be further tightened onto the faucet with a special tool orwrench adapted to engage the lobed aperture. Next, the header housing140 is moved into position under the nipple 164 such that the lower endportion 206 of the nipple 164, including the O-ring 198, is receivedwithin the inlet cup 168 of the manifold 156. The collar 166 is thenscrewed onto the inlet cup by engaging the internal threading 180 on thecollar 166 with the external threading 178 on the inlet cup. A bottomedge 214 of the collar 166 has a diameter slightly larger than adiameter of the upper aperture 176 in the upper housing 148. As such,when the collar 166 and the inlet cup 168 are sufficiently tightenedtogether, the bottom edge 214 of the collar 166 sits flush against theupper housing 148 and interfaces with an upper surface 216 of the upperhousing 148.

When the collar 166 is threadedly engaged with the inlet cup 168, thenipple 164 is retained within the inlet cup by compression. As mentionedabove, the O-ring 198 on the nipple 164 engages the inside of thesidewall 174 of the inlet cup 168 to create a water-tight seal 218between the nipple and the inlet cup, as shown in FIGS. 11B-11C. Assuch, the seal 218 between the inlet cup and nipple is formed by radialpressure between the nipple sidewall 182, the O-ring 198, and the inletcup sidewall 174. This radial seal configuration can be contrasted withknown designs that use a washer and axial or vertical compressionbetween a faucet outlet and a filter assembly to achieve a water-tightseal. The advantage of the radial seal 218 of the present invention isthat the end-of-faucet filter can swing or rotate back and forth aboutthe connection with the faucet outlet without impairing the water-tightseal or otherwise unscrewing the connection between the faucet outletand the end-of-faucet filter. More particularly, the upper annularflange 192 on the nipple 164 and the rim 212 of the collar 166 act asopposing bearing surfaces. In addition, a bottom edge 220 of the nipple164 and the internal base 172 of the inlet cup 168 act as opposingbearing surfaces. As such, the end-of-faucet filter may rotate on thesebearing surfaces without loosening the engagement between the nipple andthe faucet outlet or otherwise impairing the water-tight seal providedby the circumferential O-ring on the nipple.

It is to be appreciated that the present invention is not limited tobeing connected with an externally threaded faucet. For example, thepresent invention can be configured to connect with an internallythreaded faucet. As shown in FIG. 11B, the lower end portion the nipple164 includes external threading 187. As such, the nipple shown in FIG.11B can be turned upside down with the top end portion 188 of the nippleplaced inside the inlet cup 186 so that the external threading 187 isexposed to engage internal threading on the faucet. The end-of-faucetfilter is otherwise connected with the internally threaded faucet in thesame manner as described above with reference to the externally threadedfaucet.

As previously mentioned, the header assembly 136 includes three outlets.The first outlet 118 is describe below with reference to FIGS. 2, 9B-9C,and 11B-11C, while the second outlet 124 and the third outlet 130 aredescribed later in conjunction with associated flow path descriptions.As shown in FIG. 2, the first outlet 118 is located on the bottom rightside of the faucet attachment portion 142 and provides a discharge ofaerated water 116 from the end-of-faucet filter 100. More particularlyshown in FIGS. 9B-9C and 11B-11C, the first outlet 118 includes asubstantially cylindrically-shaped outlet fitting 222 formed integrallywith the manifold 156 on the bottom side of the manifold in axialalignment with the inlet cup 168. When the upper housing 148 is engagedwith the lower housing 150, a sidewall 224 of the outlet fitting 222protrudes through a lower aperture 226 located in the lower housing 150of the header assembly 136. Although the lower aperture 226 is shown asbeing axially aligned with the upper aperture 176 in the upper housing148, it need not be. External threading 228 on the outlet fittingsidewall 224 is adapted to engage an internally threaded outlet cup 230.As such, the outlet cup 230 screws onto the outlet fitting 222 and sitsflush against the bottom of the lower housing 150. As shown in FIG. 9C,the outlet cup 230 is adapted to contain an aerator 232. Beforeconnecting the outlet cup 230 with the outlet fitting 222, a washer 234is placed upon a top rim 236 of the aerator 232. As shown in FIGS.11B-11C, when the outlet cup 230 is screwed onto the outlet fitting 222,a rim 238 defining an outlet aperture 240 on the bottom of the outletcup 230 seats against a bottom end portion 242 of the aerator 232 andcompresses the aerator 232 and washer 234 against a bottom edge 244 ofthe sidewall 224 of the outlet fitting 222. As such, compression of thewasher creates a water-tight seal 246 between the aerator and thesidewall of the outlet fitting.

As previously mentioned, the flow path assembly 138 is located primarilywithin the housing 140 of the header assembly 136. As shown in FIGS. 9B,9D, and 11-11A, the flow path assembly 138 includes two valves, referredto herein as a jet valve 248 and a filter valve 250, located partiallywithin a valve body 252, which, in turn, are inserted into the manifold156. As discussed in more detail below, the positions of the valvesrelative to manifold and valve body act to direct water flow throughvarious ducts located within the valve body and manifold to one of thethree outlets in the header assembly. As previously mentioned, a usercan manipulate the positions of the valves through the actuatormechanism.

As shown in particular in FIGS. 10D-10E, an inlet port 254 is formed inthe base 172 of the inlet cup 168 of the manifold 156, providing apassageway for water from the inlet cup 168 to a first manifold chamber256 formed within the manifold. The first manifold chamber 256 isgenerally separated from a second manifold chamber 258 by a medial wall260. As discussed in more detail below, the first manifold chamber 256houses a portion of the jet valve 248, and the second manifold chamber258 houses a portion of the filter valve 250. The manifold 156 alsoincludes a manifold cavity 262 located between the inlet cup 168 and theoutlet fitting 222 and is adapted to receive the valve body 252. Asdiscussed in more detail below, when the valve body 252 is inserted intothe manifold cavity 262, each of the first manifold chamber 256 and thesecond manifold chamber 258 abut a left end portion 264 of the valvebody 252. Referring to FIGS. 10A and 10D, a manifold cavity flange 266adapted to engage the valve body 252 is also located on a right endportion 268 of the manifold 156. Further, a front pair snap collarflanges 270 and a rear pair of snap collar flanges 272 are formed on thefront and rear of the right end portion 268 of the manifold 156. Thefront snap collar flanges 270 and the rear snap collar flanges 272 formfront 274 and rear snap collar channels 276, respectively therebetween.As discussed in more detail below, the snap collar channels are adaptedto engage the actuator mechanism.

As shown in FIGS. 9D and 12A-12E, the valve body 252 includes a rightcap portion 278 connected with a main body portion 280. The main bodyportion 280 defines two tubular passages, referred to herein as a jetvalve lumen 282 and a filter valve lumen 284. An aperture in a sidewall286 of the valve body 252 defining the jet valve lumen 282 furtherdefines a jet valve port 288. A partial rim band 290 is thereby formedby the jet valve port 288 in the sidewall 286 of the valve body 252. Avalve strut 292 divides the jet valve port 288 medially and providesstructural support to the partial rim band 290 of the valve bodyotherwise separated by the jet valve port 288. An aperture in a sidewall287 of the valve body 252 defining the filter valve lumen 284 furtherdefines a filter valve port 289, which is in fluid communication with anaerator port 291 that feeds the outer fitting 222 on the bottom side ofthe manifold. The jet valve lumen 282 and the filter valve lumen 284also include angled mating surfaces (294, 296) located on left endportions of the jet and filter valve lumen. As discussed in more detailbelow, the angled mating surfaces are adapted to interface with O-ringson the jet valve and the filter valve. The right cap portion 278 of thevalve body 252 includes two apertures 298 aligned with and having thesame diameter as the jet valve lumen 282 and the filter valve lumen 284.The outer circumference of the right cap portion 278 is slightly largerthan the outer circumference of the main body portion 280 so as todefine a valve flange 300. The valve flange 300 is adapted to engage themanifold cavity 262 on the manifold 156. Therefore, when the valve body252 is inserted into the manifold cavity 262, the valve flange 300 seatsagainst the manifold cavity flange 266 on the manifold 156 to create asealed interface. In some embodiments of the present invention, theinterface between the valve flange and the manifold cavity flange isultrasonically welded to ensure a water-tight seal. The right capportion also includes an upper valve tab 302 and a lower valve tab 304,each having a vertically oriented aperture 306, 308 adapted to interfacewith the actuator mechanism 110, as discussed in more detail below.

As shown in FIGS. 11A and 12A-12E, when the valve body 252 is positionedwithin the manifold cavity 262, the jet valve lumen 282 extends axiallyfurther into the manifold cavity than the filter valve lumen 284.Further, the first manifold chamber 256 in the manifold cavity 262 islocated adjacent to a left end portion 310 of the jet valve lumen 282,and the second manifold chamber 258 is located adjacent to a left endportion 312 the filter valve lumen 284. The medial wall 260 thatseparates the first manifold chamber 256 and the second manifold chamber258 extends to cover the partial rim band 290 on the valve body 252, butdoes not extend to cover the jet valve port 288. As such, a manifoldduct 314 is thereby formed in the area between the medial wall 260 andthe valve body 252. The manifold duct 314 provides fluid communicationbetween the jet valve port 288 and the second manifold chamber 258.

As shown in FIGS. 9D and 11A, the jet valve 248 is located primarilywithin the jet valve lumen 282. The jet valve 248 includes a jet valveshaft 316 oriented axially within the jet valve lumen. A jet valve tab318 is formed on a right end portion 320 of the jet valve 248 anddefines an aperture 322 that in practice is vertically oriented. The jetvalve tab extends 318 beyond the jet valve lumen 282 and the right capportion 278 of the valve body 252. Two right radial flanges 324 areformed on the jet valve shaft 316 to define a first channel 326therebetween. The right radial flanges 324 are located toward the rightend portion 320 of the jet valve shaft 316 and are positioned within thejet valve lumen 282. A cup seal 328 is positioned within the firstchannel 326 and is restrained from axial movement along the jet valveshaft by the right radial flanges 324. The right radial flanges have anoverall diameter that is slightly less than the inside diameter of thejet valve lumen, and the cup seal has a diameter that is slightly largerthan the jet valve lumen. As such, when subjected to water pressure, thecup seal provides a water-tight seal between the jet valve and the valvebody. Further, when not subjected to water pressure, the cup seal allowsthe jet valve to move easily back and forth axially within the jet valvelumen.

As shown in FIGS. 9D and 11A, a left end portion 330 of jet valve 248extends from the jet valve lumen 282 and into the first manifold chamber256. Two left radial flanges 332 are formed on the jet valve shaft 316to define a second channel 334 therebetween. The left radial flanges 332are located toward the left end portion 330 of the jet valve shaft 316and are positioned within the first manifold chamber 256. An O-ring 336of having a diameter that is slightly larger than the diameter of thejet valve lumen 282 is positioned within the second channel 334 and isrestrained from axial movement along the jet valve shaft 316 by the leftradial flanges 332. As previously mentioned, the angled mating surface294 on the left end portion 310 of the jet valve lumen 282 is adapted tointerface with the O-ring 336 on the jet valve 248, which creates awater-tight seal when the O-ring is positioned against the jet valvelumen. As shown in FIG. 11A, a jet duct 338 is located opposite the jetvalve lumen 282 in the first manifold chamber 256. As discussed in moredetail below, the jet duct provides fluid communication between thefirst manifold chamber 256 and the second outlet 124. As shown in FIG.11A, the inner diameter of the jet duct 338 is slightly smaller than theouter diameter of the O-ring 336, and a right end portion 340 of the jetduct 338 leading from the first manifold chamber 256 is chamfered todefine an angled mating surface 342 adapted to interface with the O-ring336. As such, a water-tight seal is created when the O-ring on the jetvalve is positioned against the angled mating surface on the jet duct.

As shown in FIGS. 9D and 11A, the filter valve 250 is located primarilywithin the filter valve lumen 284. The filter valve 250 includes afilter valve shaft 344 oriented axially within the filter valve lumen. Afilter valve tab 346 is formed on a right end portion 348 of the filtervalve 250 and defines an aperture 350 that in practice is verticallyoriented. The filter valve tab 346 extends beyond the filter valve lumen284 and the right cap portion 278 of the valve body 252. Two rightradial flanges 352 formed on the filter valve shaft 344 to define afirst channel 354 therebetween. The right radial flanges 352 are locatedtoward the right end portion 348 of the filter valve shaft 344 and arepositioned within the filter valve lumen 284. A cup seal 356 ispositioned within the first channel 354 and is restrained from axialmovement along the filter valve shaft by the right radial flanges 352.The right radial flanges have an overall diameter that is slightly lessthan the inside diameter of the filter valve lumen. The cup seal has adiameter that is slightly larger than the filter valve lumen. As such,when subjected to water pressure, the cup seal provides a water-tightseal between the filter valve and the valve body. Further, when notsubjected to water pressure, the cup seal allows the filter valve tomove easily back and forth axially within the jet valve lumen.

As shown in FIGS. 9D and 11A, a left end portion 358 of the filter valve250 extends from the filter valve lumen 284 and into the second manifoldchamber 258. Two left radial flanges are formed on the filter valveshaft 344 to define a second channel 362 therebetween. The left radialflanges 360 are located on the left end portion 358 of the filter valveshaft 344 and are positioned within second manifold chamber 258. AnO-ring 364 of having a diameter that is slightly larger than thediameter of the filter valve lumen 284 is positioned within the secondchannel 362 and is restrained from axial movement along the filter valveshaft by the left radial flanges 360. As previously mentioned, theangled mating surface 296 on the left end portion 312 of the filtervalve lumen 284 is adapted to interface with the O-ring 364 on thefilter valve 250, which creates a water-tight seal when the O-ring ispositioned against the filter valve lumen. As shown in FIG. 1A, a filterduct 366 is located opposite the filter valve lumen 284 in the secondmanifold chamber 258. As discussed in more detail below, the filter duct366 provides fluid communication between the second manifold chamber 258and the filter cartridge assembly 134. As shown in FIG. 11A, the innerdiameter of the filter duct 368 is slightly smaller than the outerdiameter of the O-ring 364, and a right end portion 368 of the filterduct 366 leading from the second manifold chamber 258 is chamfered todefine an angled mating surface 370 adapted to interface with the O-ring364. As such, a water-tight seal is created when the O-ring on thefilter valve is positioned against the angled mating surface on thefilter duct.

As previously mentioned, a user can use the actuator mechanism 110 tomanipulate the positions of the filter valve 250 and the jet valve 248.In particular, the actuator mechanism 110 is adapted to engage the jetvalve tab 318 and the filter valve tab 346 to move the jet valve and thefilter valve within the filter body 252 and manifold 156 to actuate oneof the three modes of operation of the end-of-faucet filter 100. Moreparticularly, the actuator mechanism 110 is used to position the O-ring336 on the jet valve 248 in the first manifold chamber 256 eitheragainst the jet valve lumen 282 or the jet duct 338 as well as positionthe O-ring 364 on the filter valve 250 in the second manifold chamber258 either against the filter valve lumen 284 or the filter valve duct366. As discussed in more detail below, the positions of the O-ringswithin the first and second manifold chambers cause water flowingthrough the inlet port 254 to be dispensed from either the first 118,second 124, or third outlets 130 of the end-of-faucet filter 100.

As shown in FIGS. 9D and 11A, the actuator mechanism 110 includesseveral components, some of which are located inside of the headerassembly housing 140, and some of which are located outside the housingof the header assembly. The actuator mechanism 110 includes the integralactuator switch 114 having a finger grip 372, an actuator shroud 347, anactuator bridge 376, a bearing plate 378, and a snap collar 380.Additionally, a filter cam pin 382 extends vertically from a top, backside 384 of the snap collar, and a jet cam pin 386 extends verticallyfrom a bottom, front side 388 of the snap collar. Referring to FIGS. 9A,9C, and 11C, when the upper housing 148 and lower housing 150 arebrought together about the manifold 156 during assembly of theend-of-faucet filter 100, a slot 390 is formed between the upper housingand lower housing on the right side of the header assembly 136. Theactuator bridge 376 is positioned inside the slot 390 so that the fingergrip 372 and actuator shroud 347 are positioned outside the housing 140,while the bearing plate 378 and snap collar 380 are positioned insidethe housing. The actuator shroud 347 hides the slot from external view,as shown in FIG. 11.

As shown in FIG. 11B, the front 274 and rear snap collar channels 276 onthe manifold 156 are adapted to receive the snap collar 380. As such, asa user moves the finger grip 372 backward or forward, the snap collarslides rotationally within the front and rear snap channels. At the sametime, the actuator bridge 376 moves forward and backward within the slot390. Additionally, the bearing plate 378 interfaces with and moves alongthe interior surfaces of the upper housing 148 and lower housing 150above and below the slot, respectively, when the finger grip is moved.Therefore, the bearing plate provides some vertical stability to theactuator mechanism 110 when operated.

As shown in FIG. 9D, the actuator mechanism 110 includes two identicalcams, referred to herein as a jet cam 392 and a filter cam 394, adaptedto engage the actuator switch 114 and the valves (348, 250) such thatmovement of the actuator switch causes the filter and/or jet valves tomove. The jet cam 392 and filter cam 394 are elongated, generallyrectangular plates 396 with rounded corners. A cam aperture 398 isformed in a first corner 400 of the each plate 396 and a pin slot 402 isformed in a second corner 404 diagonally opposed to the first corner400. The pin slot 402 angles from the second corner 404 diagonallyinward toward the first corner 400 to a point generally in the center ofthe plate 396. An open end 406 of the pin slot 402 widens at an angletoward a longitudinal edge 408 of the plate opposite the cam aperture inthe first corner, thereby creating a leading edge 410 for the pin slot402. The jet cam 392 and the filter cam 394 each have a peg, referred toherein as a jet cam peg 412 and a filter cam peg 414, respectively. Eachpeg extends vertically from the plate, and each peg is generallycentered with respect to the length of the plate and offset toward alengthwise edge 416 of the plate 396 adjacent to the cam aperture 398 inthe first corner 400.

As shown in FIGS. 11A, 11D, and 11E, the jet cam 392 is oriented withthe jet cam peg 412 extending upward with the cam aperture 398 locatedabove and axially aligned with the aperture 308 in the lower valve tab304 of the valve body 252. As such, the pin slot 410 of the jet cam 392is oriented toward the front of the end-of-faucet filter 100. The filtercam 394 is oriented with the filter cam peg 414 extending downward withthe cam aperture 398 located below and axially aligned with the aperture306 in the upper valve tab 302 of the valve body 252. As such, the pinslot 402 of the filter cam 394 is oriented toward the rear of theend-of-faucet filter 100. As shown in FIGS. 9D and 1D, an actuatorspring 418 is positioned between the jet cam 392 and the filter cam 394with a center 420 of the actuator spring 418 axially aligned with thecam apertures 398 of the jet cam and the filter cam. An upper wire end422 of the actuator spring 418 contacts and is biased against the filtercam peg 414, and a lower wire end 424 of the actuator spring contactsand is biased against the jet cam peg 412. An actuator pin 426 isinserted axially through the aperture 308 in the lower valve tab 304,the cam aperture 398 of this jet cam 392, the center 420 of the actuatorspring 418, the aperture 398 of the filter cam 394, and the aperture 306in the upper valve tab 302, axially aligning and retaining each of thesecomponents together.

As shown in FIG. 11D, the jet cam peg 412 is inserted into the aperture306 in the jet valve tab 302 to create a linkage between the actuatormechanism 110 and the jet valve 248, and the filter cam peg 414 issimilarly inserted into the aperture 306 in the filter valve tab 302 tocreate a linkage between the actuator mechanism and the filter valve250. The jet cam pin 386 on the bottom, front side 388 of the snapcollar 380 is positioned to engage the leading edge 410 of the pin slot402 in the jet cam 392. Similarly, the filter cam pin 382 on the top,rear side 384 of the snap collar 380 is positioned to engage the leadingedge 410 of the pin slot 402 in the filter cam 394.

As shown in FIG. 11A, the O-ring 336 on the jet valve 248 located withinthe first manifold chamber 256 is positioned against the angled matingsurface 342 of the jet duct 338. Referring now to FIGS. 13-13A, when auser moves the finger grip 372 in a rearward direction, the jet cam pin386 engages the leading edge 410 of the pin slot 402 on the jet cam 392and moves within the pin slot, which causes the jet cam 392 to rotateabout the actuator pin 422. As the jet cam rotates, the jet cam peg 412engages the jet valve tab 318 and pulls the jet valve 248 within the jetvalve lumen 282. More particularly, the O-ring 336 on the jet valve 248located within the first manifold chamber 256 will move from the angledmating surface 342 of the jet duct 338 and toward the angled matingsurface 294 of the jet valve lumen 282, as shown in FIG. 13A. As such,if the user moves the finger grip a sufficient distance in the rearwarddirection, the O-ring on the jet valve located within the first manifoldchamber will press against the angled mating surface of the jet valvelumen.

As shown in FIG. 11A, the O-ring 364 on the filter valve 250 locatedwithin the second manifold chamber 258 is positioned against the angledmating surface 370 of the filter duct 366. Referring now to FIGS.14-14B, when a user moves the finger grip 372 in a forward direction,the filter cam pin 382 engages the leading edge 410 of the pin slot 402on the filter cam 394 and moves within the pin slot, which causes thefilter cam 394 to rotate about the actuator pin 426. As the filter camrotates, the filter cam peg 414 engages the filter valve tab 346 andpulls the filter valve 250 within the filter valve lumen 284. Moreparticularly, the O-ring 364 on the filter valve 250 located within thesecond manifold chamber 258 will move from the angled mating surface 370of the filter duct 366 and toward the angled mating surface 296 of thefilter valve lumen 284, as shown in FIGS. 14A-14B. As such, if the usermoves the finger grip a sufficient distance in the forward direction,the O-ring on the filter valve located within the second manifoldchamber will press against the angled mating surface of the filter valvelumen. Because the actuator mechanism 110 acts to pull the jet valve 248and filter valve 250 partially from the valve body 252, the snap collar380 can include a recessed area opposite the bearing plate 378 to allowsufficient clearance for the jet valve tab 318 and the filter valve tab346 as each is pulled outward from the valve body.

As discussed above, a user can use the actuator mechanism 110 tomanipulate the positions of the filter valve 250 and the jet valve 248.More particularly, the actuator mechanism is used to position the O-ring336 on the jet valve in the first manifold chamber 256 either againstthe jet valve lumen 282 or the jet duct 338 as well as position theO-ring 364 on the filter valve in the second manifold chamber 258 eitheragainst the filter valve lumen 284 or the filter duct 366. As discussedin more detail below, the positions of the O-rings within the first andsecond manifold chambers cause water flowing through the inlet port tobe dispensed from either the first, second, or third outlets of theend-of-faucet filter.

Referring to FIG. 13, the second outlet 124 is located on the bottomside of the header assembly 136 and provides a discharge of pulsed jetspray of water 122 from the end-of-faucet filter 100. As previouslymentioned, the jet duct 338 provides fluid communication between thefirst manifold chamber 256 and the second outlet 124. More particularly,the jet duct 338 extends within the manifold 156 between the firstmanifold chamber 256 and a pulse turbine chamber 428, which may beformed integrally with the manifold 156. As shown in FIGS. 9B, 10C, and13A, the jet duct 338 empties into the pulse turbine chamber 428 via apulse turbine port 430, and water is discharged from the second outlet124 through a pulse turbine cover 432 that forms a bottom enclosure 434to the pulse turbine chamber 338, also shown in FIGS. 9B-9C. It is to beappreciated that the pulse turbine cover 432 can be connected with thepulse turbine chamber 428 in various ways. For example, in someembodiments of the present invention, the pulse turbine cover is screwedinto the pulse turbine chamber. In other embodiments, the pulse turbinecover is seated against a lip in the pulse turbine chamber andultrasonically welded to the manifold to create a water-tight seal.

As shown in FIGS. 9B, 13A, and 16A, a pulse turbine 436 with a pluralityof blades 438 is located within the pulse turbine chamber 428. Althoughthe pulse turbine 436 depicted herein includes six blades, it is to beappreciated that other embodiments of the present invention include agreater or fewer number of blades. The blades 438 extend radially from acenter hub 440 that defines an aperture 442. The aperture 442 in thecenter hub 440 is adapted to receive a spindle 444 extending upwardlyfrom the pulse turbine cover 432. As such, the turbine can rotate aboutthe spindle. In other embodiments of the present invention, the pulseturbine is not rotatably coupled with a spindle, and as such, can freelyrotate within the confines of the pulse turbine chamber. As shown inFIG. 13A, the pulse turbine port is oriented to introduce water into thepulse turbine chamber in a flow direction that is generally normal tofaces of the blades. As such, water emerging from the pulse turbine portimpacts the blades, causing the pulse turbine to rotate around thespindle.

As shown in FIGS. 9B-9C and 13A, water exits the pulse turbine chamber428 through six jet outlet apertures 446 located in the pulse turbinecover 432. The outlet apertures 446 are equally spaced apart and arelocated at a common radius from the spindle 444. From the outletapertures, water travels into six jet nozzles 448 formed on the pulseturbine cover 432 that are in alignment with the jet outlet apertures446. It is to be appreciated that a greater or fewer number of jetoutlet apertures and jet nozzles can be used. The jet nozzles createstraight and narrow streams of water exiting the pulse turbine chamber,rather than a spray or splattering output. As shown in FIG. 9B, thepulse turbine 436 can also include a web 450 extending between thebottom edges of two or more of the blades 438. The web 450 blocks theflow of water through any of the jet outlet apertures 446 it happens tocover at any given time, thereby creating a pulsating flow. In theembodiment depicted, the web extends between three blades to cover twoadjacent sectors of the pulse turbine. The web allows the turbine tocreate a pulsating effect in the outflow of water through the jetnozzles as at any one time as the pulse turbine rotates within the pulseturbine chamber, two of the jet outlet apertures, and therefore two ofthe jet nozzles, are effectively closed. It is to be appreciated that ifthere were only one jet outlet aperture and corresponding jet nozzle,there would not be a constant flow of water from the pulse turbinechamber, but instead a single, intermittent, pulsating flow. It shouldalso be appreciated that other embodiments of the present need notinclude a pulse turbine and, as such, provide a constant jet nozzle flowinstead of a pulsating flow output.

Referring back to FIG. 4, the third outlet 130 is located on the bottomleft side of the header assembly 136 and provides a discharge offiltered water 128 from the end-of-faucet filter 100. As previouslymentioned, the filter duct 366 is fluidly coupled with the secondmanifold chamber 258. As discussed in more detail below, water flowsfrom the second manifold chamber 258, through the filter duct 366 in theheader assembly 136 and into the filter cartridge assembly 134, wherethe water is filtered. Filtered water then exits from the filtercartridge assembly 134 and re-enters the header assembly 136 and isdischarged from the third outlet 130.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the filter cartridge assembly 134 removablyconnects with a back side 452 of the filter attachment portion 144 ofthe header assembly 136. As previously mentioned, the filter cartridgeassembly is both mechanically and fluidly coupled with the headerassembly. Referring to FIG. 9E, the filter cartridge assembly 134includes a filter housing 454 formed with a base wall 456 and integralside walls 458. The filter housing envelopes a filter material block 456or filter element. It is to be appreciated that the filter materialblock 456 can be constructed from various materials, such as charcoal orother standard carbon-based material. Other water filter elements canalso be used. As shown in FIGS. 9E and 15A, the filter material block456 is generally cylindrical, while a cross-section of the elongatedfilter housing 454 is generally shield-shaped (i.e., a U-shaped bottomwith a flattened arc top). The diameter of the filter material block issmaller than the interior diameters of the filter housing such that thefilter material block is spaced apart from the interior of the filterhousing. A similarly shield-shaped filter housing cap 462 is adapted toengage the front end of the filter housing 454 to seal the filtermaterial block 456 within the filter housing. It is to be appreciatedthat the filter housing cap 462 can be connected with the filter housing454 in various ways to create a water-tight seal within the filterhousing. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, thefilter housing cap is ultrasonically welded to the filter housing. Asshown in FIGS. 9E and 14A, the filter housing cap 462 includes a filterhousing nipple 464 formed thereon. An internal flange 466 is formedwithin the filter housing nipple 464 that separates a rear chamber 468from a front chamber 470. As discussed in more detail below, theinternal flange 466 also defines a central aperture 472 that providesfluid communication between the front chamber 470 and the filter blockmaterial 456.

As shown in FIGS. 9E and 16B, the filter material block 460 is connectedwith and held between a front filter cap 474 and a rear filter cap 476inside the filter housing 454. The filter block material 460 defines ahollow cylindrical core 478 extending concentrically with the axis ofthe filter block material. The rear filter cap 476 is formed with afront center post 480 extending from a front side 482 and a rear centerpost 484 extending from a rear side 486. The front center post 480 ofthe rear filter cap 476 is adapted to fit inside the cylindrical core478 of the filter material block 460. The rear center post of the rearfilter cap 476 defines a recess 488 for engagement with a finger member490 extending from the interior surface of the base wall 456 of thefilter housing 454. The interface between the finger member and the rearcenter post on the rear filter cap helps to hold the filter blockmaterial in axial alignment within the filter housing.

It is to be appreciated that embodiments of the present inventioninclude a relatively compact filter material block or filter element andfilter cartridge assembly. For example, one embodiment of the filtercartridge assembly occupies no more than 6.88 cubic inches of volume,including the void space defined within the filter element. Aspreviously mentioned, the filter material block is generallycylindrical, and in one embodiment, the filter element alone has adiameter of approximately 1.91 inches and a length of 2.40 inches, againincluding the void space. In addition, other embodiments include a solidthe filter element, rather than having a hollow cylindrical coreextending along its length. Further, other embodiments of the presentinvention include a relatively compact combination of filter element andfilter end caps. For example, in the embodiment, the combination offilter element and end caps yields a diameter of approximately 2.00inches and a length of approximately 3.35 inches, for an overall volumeof approximately 10.52 cubic inches, including the interior void spaceformed in the filter element.

As shown in FIGS. 6-6D, 9E, 14A, and 16B, the front filter cap 474 isformed with a front center post 492 extending from a rear side 494. Thefront center post 492 on the front filter cap is adapted to fit insidethe cylindrical core 478 of the filter material block 460. A filter capoutlet nipple 496 extends from a front side 498 of the front filter cap474 and defines a filter cap outlet lumen 500, which is in fluidcommunication with the cylindrical core 478 of the filter material block460. A side wall 502 of the filter cap outlet nipple 496 thins at afront end while the diameter of the filter cap outlet lumen remainsconstant, thereby forming an annular shelf 504 about the front end ofthe filter cap outlet lumen 500. The filter cap outlet nipple 496 isadapted to be received within the rear chamber 468 of the filter housingnipple 464 formed on the filter housing cap 462. The interface betweenthe filter cap outlet nipple 496 and the rear chamber 468 of the filterhousing nipple 464 also helps to hold the filter material block 460 inaxial alignment within the filter housing. The length of the filter capoutlet nipple 496 is slightly greater than the depth of the rear chamber468, thereby providing a small separation distance 506 between the frontfilter cap 474 and the filter housing cap 462. An O-ring 508 positionedon the annular shelf 504 of the filter cap outlet nipple 496 has aslightly larger diameter than the internal diameter of the rear chamber468 of the filter housing nipple 464, thereby creating a water-tightseal between the filter housing nipple and the filter cap outlet nipple.

As shown in FIGS. 6-6D, 14A and 14B, the internal flange formed withinthe filter housing nipple 464 that separates the rear chamber 468 fromthe front chamber 470 is axially aligned with the filter cap outletlumen 500 and provides fluid communication between the front chamber 470and the cylindrical core 478 of the filter material block 460. Twoconduits 510 are further formed within the filter housing nipple 464.More particularly, the conduits 510 are integrally formed with thefilter housing cap 462 and filter housing nipple 464, and defined bypartial cylindrical walls 512 closed by the interior surfaces of thefilter housing nipple 464. Two forward apertures 514 in a side wall 516of the filter housing nipple 464 are in fluid communication with frontend portions 518 of the conduits 510. From the front end portions 518,the conduits 510 extend through the internal flange 466, and terminatein rear aperture openings on a rear side 522 of the filter housing cap462. It is to be appreciated that other embodiments of the presentinvention include more or less than two conduits that can be located inany position around the circumference of the internal wall of the filterhousing nipple.

As shown in FIGS. 6, 8, and 16B, the filter cartridge assembly isengaged with the header assembly 136 by inserting the filter housingnipple 464 into a filter cup 524 formed in the manifold 156. A forwardpair of circumferential flanges 526 and a rear pair of circumferentialflanges 528 are formed on the exterior sidewall 516 of the filterhousing nipple and define forward 530 and rearward 532 channels adaptedto retain O-rings 534. As discussed in more detail below, the O-ringscreate a water-tight seal between a side wall 536 of the filter cup 524and the filter housing nipple 464. The forward channel 530 is locatedforward of the forward apertures 514 in the filter housing nipple, andthe rearward channel 532 is located rearward of the sidewall apertures514 in the filter housing nipple.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, two button posts 538 and bayonet posts 540 onthe filter cartridge assembly 134 engage the header assembly 136 to holdthe filter cartridge assembly in position relative to the headerassembly. More particularly, the two bayonet posts 540 extend radiallyfrom the sidewall 516 of the filter housing nipple 464 rearward of therearward channel 532, and the two button posts 538 extend from a frontside 542 of the filter housing cap 462 spaced apart from the filterhousing nipple. As shown in FIG. 8, symmetrical, semi-circular cut-outs544 in the upper housing 148 and lower housing 150 of the headerassembly 136 form an aperture 546 in the housing in alignment with thefilter cup 524, thereby allowing the filter housing nipple to passthrough the housing and into the filter cup. Referring to FIGS. 10A and10B, two bayonet clips 548 are formed on a rearward rim 550 of thefilter cup 524 for engagement with the bayonet posts 540 on the filterhousing nipple 464. Similarly, an arcuate button slot 552 is formedwithin each of the upper housing 148 and the lower housing 150 in aposition aligned with and for engagement by each of the button posts 538protruding from the filter housing cap.

In order to attach the filter cartridge assembly 134 to the headerassembly 136, the bayonet posts 540 are aligned with the bayonet clips548 and the button posts 538 are aligned with the button slots 552, asshown in FIGS. 6 and 8. The filter housing nipple 464 is inserted intothe filter cup 524, such that the button posts are received within thebutton slots. The filter cartridge assembly 134 is then rotated withrespect to the filter header assembly 136, and the bayonet posts 540 arereceived within the bayonet clips 548. The bayonet posts are alsoretained within respective clip recesses 554 shown in FIG. 14B, and thebutton posts 538 are retained within a narrowed portion 556 of thebutton slots 552 shown in FIG. 16B. The combination of the button andbayonet fittings provide secure mechanical engagement between the filtercartridge assembly and the filter header assembly. The mechanicalengagement further provides a method of removing and installing thefilter cartridge assembly that requires a user to simply twist thefilter cartridge assembly in the appropriate direction to either engageor disengage the filter cartridge assembly from the header assembly. Itis to be appreciated that the present invention need not include bothbayonet and button posts. For example, other embodiments of the presentinvention require only button posts to connect the filter cartridgeassembly with the header assembly, without the use of bayonet posts.Still other embodiments only require bayonet posts without the use ofbutton posts.

As shown in FIGS. 6-6D, 10B, and 14A the filter duct 366 extends fromthe second manifold chamber 258 in the header assembly 136 to the filtercup 524. More particularly, the filter duct 366 opens into the side wall536 of the filter cup 524 through a filter port 558. When the filterhousing nipple 464 is inserted into the filter cup 524, the O-rings 534on the filter housing nipple 464 are positioned on either side of thefilter port 538 as shown in FIG. 14A. The O-rings 534 also have adiameter that is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the filtercup 524, which creates a water-tight seal between the side wall of thefilter cup and the filter housing nipple. An area bounded by the O-rings534, the sidewall of the filter cup 524, and the filter housing nipple464 functions as a fluid transfer channel 560 to communicate water fromthe filter port 558 to the conduits 510 in the filter housing nipplethrough the forward apertures 514 in the sidewall of the filter housingnipple. In this manner a fluid communication path is formed between thefilter duct 366, the filter port 558, the fluid transfer channel 560,the forward apertures 514 in the filter housing nipple, the conduits510, and the filter cartridge assembly 134.

As shown in FIGS. 10C and 16B, a second aperture 562 is provided in abase 564 of the filter cup 524 that extends to form a counter turbineduct 566, which provides fluid communication between the filter cup 524and a counter turbine chamber 568 in the manifold 156, which houses acounter turbine 570 therein. The counter turbine 570 includes aplurality of blades 572 extending radially from a central hub 574, whichdefines an aperture 576 adapted to receive a turbine spindle 578extending downward from a ceiling 580 of the counter turbine chamber568. As such, the central hub is seated on the counter turbine spindle,which provides an axis about which the counter turbine rotates. Acounter turbine cap 582 seats against a ledge 584 in the sidewall aroundthe bottom perimeter of the counter turbine chamber to seal the counterturbine chamber 568 and to retain the counter turbine therein. It is tobe appreciated that the counter turbine cap can be connected with thecounter turbine chamber in various ways. For example, in one embodiment,the counter turbine cap is ultrasonically welded to the ledge of thecounter turbine chamber to create a water-tight seal between the two.

As shown in FIG. 16B, water flows from the filter cartridge assembly 134through the central aperture 472 in the filter housing nipple 464 andinto the filter cup 524. From the filter cup 524, the water flows thethrough the counter turbine duct 566 and enters the counter turbinechamber 568 through a counter turbine port 586. The counter turbine port586 is positioned to emit the flow of water from the counter turbineduct 566 against the counter turbine blades 572 in a direction generallytangential to the circumference of the counter turbine 570, therebycausing the counter turbine to rotate within the counter turbinechamber. As shown in FIG. 16B, water exits the counter turbine chamber568 through a counter turbine outlet port 588. The counter turbineoutlet port 588, in turn, is connected with a filtered water outletshaft 590. A lower end portion of the filtered water outlet shaft formsa filtered water outlet 592 with a plurality of apertures 594 throughwhich filtered water ultimately exits the third outlet 130 of theend-of-faucet filter 100. An outlet shroud 596 is also provided in theform of a wide, oblong flange in order to cover an outlet opening 598 inthe housing 140.

Some embodiments of the present invention may include the ability toalert a user to a need to change a filter due to the filter's expirationor pending expiration. A microprocessor or microcontroller may track andtotalize a volume of liquid flow through the filter, for example,serving as a filter life monitoring system. The microprocessor mayfurther track time between filter changes. The microrprocessor may beimplemented as, for example, a circuit board having a logic function.

When either or both of a flow and time threshold are exceeded, themicroprocessor may alert a user to the need to change a filter. Forexample, the microprocessor may activate a light, audible alarm, or bothto alert the user to the abnormal status requiring a filter change. Themicroprocessor may provide different alerts (for example,different-colored lights or different sounds) for each thresholdexceeded.

In yet other embodiments, the microprocessor may provide both a warningalert and a filter change alert. For example, the microprocessor mayactivate a first output signal when a first threshold is exceeded. Thisfirst threshold may represent a percentage of a filter's recommended ormaximum lifespan or volume flow therethrough (a “warning level”).Continuing the example, the microprocessor may activate the first outputsignal when the time since the filter was last changed exceeds 75% or90% of a filter's recommended service life. Similarly, the first outputsignal may be activated when a filter has processed or purified 75% or90% of the maximum flow recommended for the filter. In yet otherembodiments, the first output signal may correspond to a warning levelfor time, a second output signal to a warning level for flow, a thirdoutput signal to a maximum filter service time or lifespan, and a fourthoutput signal to a maximum filter flow. The various output signals mayactuate the same or different alarms, lights, sounds, and so forth(“outputs”). Although not necessary, the use of different outputs mayfacilitate a user's comprehension of the threshold exceeded thattriggered the output signal.

The microprocessor may be operatively connected to a flow sensor affixedto a portion of the interior of the end-of-faucet filter. For example,the flow sensor may take the form of a magnet affixed to a faucetinterior wall adjacent the turbine. A bar magnet may be affixed to ablade of the turbine. The flow sensor can detect the motion of the barmagnet at the turbine spins, and thus may count the number of turbinerevolutions.

Each turbine revolution corresponds to an approximate liquid flow volumethrough the turbine. By counting and totalizing the turbine revolutions,the liquid flow volume through the turbine may be estimated. This flowestimate, in turn, may be employed by the microprocessor to determinewhether any of the thresholds have been exceeded. Similarly, the flowsensor may be positioned near an inlet of the end-of-faucet filter, thefilter cartridge, or an outlet of either to ensure all flow into and outof the faucet and/or filter is properly measured and estimated. Thesensor may be, for example, a reed switch or hall-effect sensor.

Greater detail regarding sensing of liquid flow through theend-of-faucet filter and estimation of service time and/or filter lifemay be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,935,426 and 6,149,801, the entiretiesof which are incorporated herein by reference.

Certain embodiments of the present invention can also include specificexamples of the filter life monitoring described above to monitor theeffectiveness of the filter's ability to filter water and to providenotice that the filter is in need of replacement.

In one example, as shown in FIG. 9B, the end-of-faucet filter 100 anoperative system 600 having a circuit board 602 that provides a logicfunction to determine when the filter is no longer effective and tonotify the user of the same. The circuit board 602 is housed inside acircuit board compartment 604 formed within the manifold 156 directlyabove the counter turbine chamber 568. Four circuit board pedestals 606extend vertically from a base 608 of the circuit board compartment 604to support the circuit board. The circuit board pedestals 606 provide aseparation distance between the circuit board and the base of thecircuit board chamber to provide clearance for components mounted to thebottom of the circuit board. A translucent cover 610 seats on top of thecircuit board compartment.

The circuit board 602 includes a reed switch or other switching devicethat is activated by a magnetic field generated by the counter turbinerotating in the counter turbine chamber beneath the circuit boardcompartment. It is to be appreciated that the counter turbine 570 can beconfigured in various ways in order to generate the magnetic filed. Forexample, in one embodiment, the counter turbine is composed of amagnetized ceramic material. In another embodiment, a bar magnet isinserted into the end of one or more of the turbine blades. In such aconfiguration, a north pole magnet can be placed in one blade on thecounter turbine while a south pole magnet can be placed in an opposingblade. The reed switch counts the number of rotations of the counterturbine as determined from the magnetic field and transmits the numberof rotations to a processor on the circuit board. The processortranslates the rotational information into a running total volume figurethat corresponds with the volume of water that has passed through thefilter. A processor compares the total volume figure with a maximumvolume flow that corresponds the efficacy of the filter to determine ifthe filter is in need of replacement.

In one specific embodiment, the processor is adapted to actuate one orboth of two light emitting diodes (LEDs), a green LED 612 and a red LED614, mounted on the circuit board 602 shown in FIG. 9B. An LED aperture616 in the upper housing 148 accommodates a projection 618 from thetranslucent cap 610 that provides a window 620 into the circuit boardcompartment 604. When actuated, light from the green LED and red LEDpasses through the projection window to communicate certain informationto the user. For example, when a unit volume is calculated, theprocessor actuates the green LED for a short duration to indicate to theuser that the filter life indicator is working. Generally the green LEDwill flash on and off several times while filtered water is dispensedthrough the end-of-faucet filter. For example, when filling a glass withwater, the green LED indicates with each flash that a unit volume markis recorded. It is to be appreciated that the present invention can beconfigured to light the LEDs for different durations so as to conservepower.

In another scenario, when the filter is nearing the end of its efficacybased upon the present maximum volume flow amount, the processor willactivate the red LED in conjunction with the green LED at the unitvolume marks. The combination of the red LED and green LED results in anamber colored flashing light that warns a user that it is time toreplace the filter cartridge assembly. This efficacy warning may beprogrammed to occur, for example, when 90-95 percent of the maximumvolume flow amount is reached.

In yet another scenario, when the maximum volume flow amount iscalculated, the processor will activate only the red LED when waterflowing from the filter cartridge assembly rotates the counter turbine.The red LED will shine constantly during the water flow to indicate thatthe filter material block is no longer effective and that the filtercartridge assembly needs to be replaced. Alternately, once the maximumflow volume amount is reached, the processor may actuate the red LEDconstantly, even when there is no water flow through the counter turbinechamber to indicate to the user that the filter cartridge assembly needsreplacing regardless of the operational mode of the end-of-faucet filterchosen by the user. It should be noted alternate embodiments may lightone or both LEDs. Further, instead of constantly illuminating theLED(s), other embodiments light the LED(s) intermittently to save power.

The filter life monitor system 600 can also include a button or a pinthat engages the circuit board indicating to the processor that thefilter cartridge assembly has been removed and/or replaced. For example,as shown in FIGS. 9B and 14A, the end-of-faucet filter 100 includes areset pin 622 housed in a reset pin shaft 624 formed in the manifold 156that extends rearward out of the reset pin shaft 624 and through anaperture 626 in the housing 140 to expose an end portion 628 of thereset pin. A rear flange 630 and a front flange 632 are formed on arearward end portion 634 defining a channel 636 therebetween adapted toretain an O-ring 638 about the reset pin 622. The O-ring 638 has aslightly larger diameter than diameter of the interior of the reset pinshaft 624 and provides frictional engagement with the sidewall of thereset pin shaft to prevent the reset pin from accidentally slipping outof the shaft. The engagement between the O-ring 638 and the reset pinshaft 624 also acts to create a seal to keep moisture from entering thecircuit board compartment 604. A front end portion 640 of the reset pin622 extends from the reset pin shaft 624 into the circuit boardcompartment 604 where it engages a reset switch 642 on the circuit board602. When the filter cartridge assembly 134 is disengaged from theheader assembly 136, a reset pin spring 644, within the reset pin shaft624, through which the reset pin 622 extends, expands in its axialdirection of bias to push against the front flange 632, therebyextending the rear end portion 634 of the reset pin outside the housing140. The reset pin spring also engages a ledge 646 in a front endportion 648 of the reset pin shaft 624 where the diameter of the resetpin shaft narrows, thereby providing an opposing force to axial movementof the reset pin spring toward the front of the reset pin shaft. Whenthe reset spring forces the reset pin rearward, the front end portion640 of the reset pin 622 releases the reset switch 642 on the circuitboard 602 indicating to the processor that the filter cartridge assembly134 has been removed.

When a replacement filter cartridge assembly is attached to the headerassembly, the reset pin 622 is pushed forward by the filter housing cap462, compressing the reset pin spring 644. The front end portion 640 ofthe reset pin 622 actuates the reset switch 642 on the circuit board602, causing the processor to clear the previous flow volume total andbegin recording new flow volume units toward the maximum flow volumeamount. Some embodiments of the present invention also include anadditional feature wherein the reset switch can also be used to resetthe entire processor if for some reason the logic values stored in theprocessor become corrupted and the processor malfunctions. For example,reset of the entire processor can be accomplished by pushing the resetswitch to a second position further forward than the position of thereset switch when engaged by the reset pin when engaged with the filterhousing cap. In such an instance, a user may use, for example, a pencilto push the rear end of the reset pin further into the reset pin shaftthan its normal position when engaged with the filter housing cap. Thiswill in turn push the reset switch to the second position and reset theentire processor.

As previously mentioned, the end-of-faucet filter of the presentinvention operates in three modes to provide aerated water, a pulsed jetspray, and filtered water. The operation of each of these modes aredescribed below with respect to the structure of the end-of-faucetfilter described above.

The standard operation of the end-of-faucet filter of the embodimentdescribed above is in aeration mode. In addition, the end-of-faucetfilter is configured such that if it is operated in either jet spraymode or filter mode, the end-of-faucet filter will automatically returnto aeration mode after the water flow from the faucet is stopped. Asshown in FIGS. 17-18A, when the end-of-faucet filter 100 is in theaeration mode, the finger grip 372 of the actuator switch 114 iscentered on the right side of the header assembly 136 and is alignedwith the upper valve tab 302 and the lower valve tab 304. In thisposition, neither the jet cam 386 nor the filter cam 394 is engaged bythe jet cam pin 386 or filter cam pin 382, respectively. As shown inFIG. 17A, the O-ring 336 on the jet valve 248 in the first manifoldchamber 256 is seated against the angled mating surface 342 on the jetduct 338 in the first manifold chamber, and the O-ring 364 on the filtervalve 250 in the second manifold chamber 258 is seated against theangled mating surface 370 on the filter duct 366. In this configuration,flow into either the jet duct or the filter duct is restricted.

Referring to FIGS. 10C-10E, 12A-12E, and 17-18A, when the end-of-faucetfilter 100 is in the aeration mode, water exits the faucet and flowsinto the nipple 164, through the lobed aperture 202, and into the inletcup 168. Water then flows from the inlet cup through the inlet port 254and into the first manifold chamber 256. Because the O-ring 336 on thejet valve 248 is seated against the jet duct 338, as shown in FIG. 17A,water flow is directed into the jet valve lumen 282, which placespressure on the cup seal 328 therein to create a water-tight seal in theright end portion of the jet valve lumen in the valve body 252. From thejet valve lumen 282, the water flows through the jet valve port 288 andinto the second manifold chamber 258. Because the O-ring 364 on thefilter valve 250 is seated against the filter duct 366, water flow isdirected into the filter valve lumen 284, which places pressure on thecup seal 356 therein to create a water-tight seal in the right endportion of the filter valve lumen in the valve body. From the filtervalve lumen 284, the water flows through the filter valve port 289 inthe valve body 252, through the aerator port 291 in the manifold 156,and exits into the area bounded by the outlet fitting 222. The watercontinues its flow through the aerator 232 and exits the end-of-faucetfilter through the outlet cup 230.

As mentioned above, the end-of-faucet filter 100 of the presentinvention can also operate in the jet spray mode. To place theend-of-faucet filter in the jet spray mode, the finger grip 372 of theactuator switch 114 is moved toward the rear of the header assembly 136,as shown in FIGS. 13-13A. Movement of the finger grip is translatedthrough the actuator bridge 376 to the snap collar 380. In turn, thesnap collar rotates counter-clockwise (as viewed from the top) aroundthe inlet cup 168. Both the jet cam Pin 386 and the filter cam Pin 382move with the snap collar. As the snap collar moves, the jet cam pin 386engages the pin slot 402 in the jet cam 392 and causes the jet cam torotate about the actuator pin 426. The rotation of the jet camtranslates into movement of the jet cam peg 412, which is engaged withthe aperture 322 in the jet valve tab 318. The rotation of the jet camthereby pulls the jet valve 248 rightward through the jet valve lumen282 in the valve body 252 until the O-ring 336 on the jet valve in thefirst manifold chamber 256 presses against the angled mating surface 294on the jet valve lumen 282 in the valve body, creating a water-tightseal therewith. The rotation of the jet cam peg also forces the lowerwire end 424 of the actuator spring 418 to rotate in contraction againstits bias, which tends to force the jet cam back to its originalposition. However, the pressure of the water on the jet valve as itflows through the first manifold chamber acts to hold the jet valve inposition against jet valve lumen, and thus maintains the actuator springin its contracted position.

In contrast to the jet cam 392, as shown in FIG. 13A, the filter cam 394is not engaged by the filter cam pin 318 when the snap collar 380 isrotated counter-clockwise (as viewed from the top). Instead the filtercam pin 318 slides away from the pin slot 402 in the filter cam and thefilter cam does not rotate. This means that the O-ring 364 on the filtervalve 250 in the second manifold chamber 258 remains seated against theangled mating surface 370 on the filter duct 366. In this configuration,flow into the filter duct remains restricted. Further, as discussedbelow, because the O-ring 336 on the jet valve 248 is seated against theopening to the jet valve lumen 282 in the valve body, no water willreach the second manifold chamber.

As shown in FIGS. 10C-10E, 12A-12E, 13A, and 16A, when the end-of-faucetfilter 100 is in the jet spray mode, water exits the faucet and flowsinto the nipple, through the lobed aperture, and into the inlet cup.From the inlet cup 168, the water flows through the inlet port 254 andinto the first manifold chamber 256. Because the O-ring 336 on the jetvalve 248 is seated against the jet valve lumen 282 in the valve body,water flow is directed into the jet duct 338. Water flows through thejet duct and enters the pulse turbine chamber 428 through the pulseturbine port 430. The water then engages the blades 438 of the pulseturbine 436 causing it to rotate. At any given time the web 450 on thebottom face of the pulse turbine occludes or partially occludes two ormore of the jet outlet apertures 446 in the pulse turbine cover 432,which creates a pulsating output on a rotating basis amongst the jetnozzles 448. The water exits the pulse turbine chamber through the jetoutlet apertures not covered by the web and streams down the jetnozzles. The water flow ultimately exits the end-of-faucet filterthrough the apertures in the jet nozzle outlet cover.

When the water flow is turned off at the faucet, the actuator spring 418that has been tensioned by the movement of the jet cam peg 412 imparts aresolving force on the jet cam peg, which is translated to the jet valve248. With no water pressure maintaining an opposing force on the leftend portion of the jet valve, the spring bias pushes the jet cam peg,moving the jet valve leftward in the jet valve lumen 282 to return theO-ring 336 on the jet valve to a position seated against the jet duct338, as shown in FIG. 17A. At the same time, the spring bias force onthe jet cam peg rotates the jet cam back to its original position,moving the jet cam pin 386 within the pin slot 402, thereby rotating thesnap collar 380 and actuator switch 114 to their original positions inthe aeration mode. The cup seal 328 located within the jet valve lumenallows the actuator spring to more easily return the jet valve to itsoriginal position in the aeration mode, because the resistance tomovement of the jet valve in the valve body without water pressure isgreatly reduced.

As mentioned above, the end-of-faucet filter of the present inventioncan also operate in the filter mode. To place the end-of-faucet filterin the filter mode, the finger grip 372 of the actuator switch 114 ismoved forward about the header assembly 136, as shown in FIGS. 14-14B.Movement of the finger grip is translated through the actuator bridge376 to the snap collar 380. In turn, the snap collar rotates clockwise(as viewed from the top) around the inlet cup 168. Both the jet cam pin386 and the filter cam pin 382 move along with the snap collar. As thesnap collar moves, the filter cam pin engages the pin slot 402 in thefilter cam 394 and causes the filter cam to rotate about the actuatorpin 426. The rotation of the filter cam translates into movement of thefilter cam peg 414, which is engaged with the aperture 350 in the filtervalve tab 346. The rotation of the filter cam thereby pulls the filtervalve 250 rightward through the filter valve lumen 284 in the valve body252 until the O-ring 364 on the filter valve in the second manifoldchamber 258 presses against the angled mating surface 296 on the filtervalve lumen 274 in the valve body, creating a water-tight sealtherewith. The rotation of the filter cam peg also forces the upper wireend 422 of the actuator spring 418 to rotate in contraction against itsbias, which tends to force the filter cam back to its original position.However, the pressure of the water on the filter valve as it flowsthrough the second manifold chamber acts to hold the filter valve inposition against filter valve lumen, and thus maintains the actuatorspring in its contracted position.

In contrast to the filter cam 394, as shown in FIG. 14A, the jet cam 392is not engaged by the jet cam pin 386 when the snap collar 380 isrotated clockwise. Instead the jet cam pin slides away from the pin slot402 in the jet cam 392 and the jet cam does not rotate. As such, theO-ring 336 on the jet valve in the first manifold chamber 256 remainsseated against the angled mating surface 342 on the jet duct 338. Inthis configuration, flow into the jet duct remains restricted. Becausethe O-ring on the jet valve is seated against the jet duct, water flowis directed into the jet valve lumen 282, which places pressure on thecup seal 382 therein to create a water-tight seal in the right endportion of the jet valve lumen in the valve body. From the jet valvelumen, the water flows through the jet valve port 288 and into thesecond manifold chamber 258. Because the O-ring 364 on the filter valve250 is seated against the angled mating surface 296 on the filter valvelumen 284, water flow will be directed out of the second manifoldchamber 258 and into the filter duct.

As shown in FIGS. 10B-10E, 12A-12E, 14A, and 16B, when the end-of-faucetfilter is in the filter mode, water exits the faucet and flows into thenipple 164, through the lobed aperture 202, and into the inlet cup 168.From the inlet cup, the water flows through the inlet port 254 and intothe first manifold chamber 256. Because the O-ring 336 on the jet valve248 in the first manifold chamber 256 is seated against the opening tothe jet duct 338, water flow is directed into the jet valve lumen 282 inthe valve body. The water pressure on the cup seal 328 about the jetvalve creates a water-tight seal between the jet valve and the jet valvelumen. From the jet valve lumen, the water flows through the jet valveport 288 in the valve body and into the second manifold chamber 258.Because the O-ring 364 on the filter valve 250 is seated against thefilter valve lumen 344, the water flow is directed out of the secondmanifold chamber 258 and into the filter duct 366.

As shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the water exits the filter duct 366 andenters the fluid transfer channel 560 between the two O-rings 534 on thefilter housing nipple 464. From the fluid transfer channel, the waterenters the forward apertures 514 on the filter housing nipple betweenthe two O-rings and continues through the conduits 510 running along theinterior sidewall of the filter housing nipple. The water exits theconduits through rear apertures 520 in the filter housing cap 462. Thewater flow exiting the filter housing cap impacts the front filter cap474 and is dispersed radially in the space 506 between the filterhousing cap and the front filter cap. The water then enters the interiorof the filter housing 454 from around the front filter cap 474 and fillsthe filter housing, surrounding the filter material block 460. Waterthen diffuses radially through the filter material block to becomefiltered water. The filtered water collects within the hollowcylindrical core 478 of the filter material block and drains from withinthe filter housing through the filter outlet cap nipple 496. Thefiltered water then flows out of the filter outlet cap nipple into thefilter housing nipple 464 in the opposite direction of the flow of waterthrough the adjacent conduits 510 in the filter housing nipple.

As shown in FIG. 16B, the filtered water flowing through the filterhousing nipple 464 then enters the filter cup 524 and exits through thecounter turbine duct 566 in the base of the filter cup. The filteredwater then flows through counter turbine duct 566 and into the counterturbine chamber 568 where it tangentially impacts the counter turbineblades 572 causing the counter turbine 570 to rotate in a clockwisedirection (as viewed from the top). As discussed above, theend-of-faucet filter can also include a circuit board 602 that monitorsthe rotating turbine to keep track of the total volume of water that haspassed through the filter. The filtered water then exits the counterturbine chamber, through the counter turbine outlet port 588, andthrough the filtered water outlet shaft 590. From the filtered wateroutlet shaft, the filtered water exits the end-of-faucet filter throughthe filtered water outlet apertures 594.

When the water flow is turned off at the faucet, the actuator spring 418that has been tensioned by the movement of the filter cam peg 412imparts a resolving force on the filter cam peg which is translated tothe filter valve 250. With no water pressure maintaining an opposingforce on the left end portion of the filter valve, the spring biaspushes the filter cam peg, moving the filter valve leftward in thefilter valve lumen 284 to return the O-ring 364 on the filter valve to aposition seated against the filter duct 366. At the same time, thespring bias force on the filter cam peg rotates the filter cam back toits original position, moving the filter cam pin within the pin slot,thereby rotating the snap collar 380 and actuator switch 114 to theiroriginal positions in the aeration mode, as shown in FIG. 17A. The cupseal 356 located within the filter valve lumen 284 allows the actuatorspring 418 to more easily return the filter valve to its originalposition in the aeration mode, because the resistance to movement of thefilter valve in the valve body without water pressure is greatlyreduced.

It will be appreciated from the above noted description of variousarrangements and embodiments of the present invention that anend-of-faucet filter has been described which has various modes ofoperation and which includes a filter cartridge assembly connected witha header assembly having at least one outlet. The end-of-faucet filtercan be formed in various ways and operated in various manners. It willbe appreciated that the features described in connection with eacharrangement and embodiment of the invention are interchangeable to somedegree so that many variations beyond those specifically described arepossible.

Although various representative embodiments of this invention have beendescribed above with a certain degree of particularity, those skilled inthe art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodimentswithout departing from the spirit or scope of the inventive subjectmatter set forth in the specification and claims. All directionalreferences (e.g., upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward,rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise,and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aidthe reader's understanding of the embodiments of the present invention,and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position,orientation, or use of the invention unless specifically set forth inthe claims. Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, andthe like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediatemembers between a connection of elements and relative movement betweenelements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily infer that twoelements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other.

In some instances, components are described with reference to “ends”having a particular characteristic and/or being connected with anotherpart. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the presentinvention is not limited to components which terminate immediatelybeyond their points of connection with other parts. Thus, the term “end”should be interpreted broadly, in a manner that includes areas adjacent,rearward, forward of, or otherwise near the terminus of a particularelement, link, component, part, member or the like. In methodologiesdirectly or indirectly set forth herein, various steps and operationsare described in one possible order of operation, but those skilled inthe art will recognize that steps and operations may be rearranged,replaced, or eliminated without necessarily departing from the spiritand scope of the present invention. It is intended that all mattercontained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawingsshall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes indetail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of theinvention as defined in the appended claims.

1. A filter apparatus adapted to connect with a faucet, the water filterapparatus comprising: a header assembly comprising: an inlet operativeto accept a fluid flow; a first outlet operative to receive the fluidflow from the inlet; and a second outlet operative to receive the fluidflow from the inlet; a filter cartridge assembly operatively coupled tothe header assembly, the filter cartridge operative to receive the fluidflow from the inlet and transmit the fluid flow to at least on of thefirst and second outlets, further operative to convert the fluid flowinto a filtered fluid flow; an actuator mechanism coupled with theheader assembly and selectively operable to fluidly couple the inletwith the first outlet, further selectively operable to fluidly couplethe inlet with the second outlet; and a turbine having at least oneblade and operative to at least momentarily interrupt the fluid flowthrough the first outlet, creating a pulsed spray exiting the firstoutlet.
 2. The filter apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a thirdoutlet adapted to dispense aerated water; wherein the second outlet isoperative to accept a filtered fluid flow from the filter.
 3. The filterapparatus of claim 2, the third outlet comprising: an aerator; and a cupoperatively connected to the header assembly and adapted to contain theaerator.
 4. The filter apparatus of claim 2, the first outletcomprising: a chamber having a chamber inlet and a chamber outlet, thechamber adapted to rotatably house the turbine; at least one jetoperatively coupled to the chamber; wherein water entering the chamberfrom the chamber inlet impacts the at least one blade, rotating theturbine; and water exits the chamber through the chamber outlet and intothe at least one jet.
 5. The filter apparatus of claim 4, wherein thechamber comprises a spindle; and the turbine is rotatably connected tothe spindle.
 6. The filter apparatus of claim 4, wherein the turbinecomprises a web adapted to block flow of water from the chamber to theat least one jet.
 7. The filter apparatus of claim 2, the first outletfurther adapted to dispense water in a pulsating jet spray.
 8. Thefilter apparatus of claim 1, the header assembly further comprising: amanifold; a valve body in fluid communication with the manifold; a firstvalve defined in the valve body; and a second valve defined in the valvebody.
 9. The filter apparatus of claim 8, wherein: the manifoldcomprises: a first chamber in fluid communication with the inlet; asecond chamber in fluid communication with the inlet; a first duct influid communication with the first chamber; and a second duct in fluidcommunication with the second duct; the valve body comprises: a firstlumen engaging the first valve; and a second lumen engaging the secondvalve.
 10. The filter apparatus of claim 9, wherein when the first valveengages the first duct and the second valve engages the second duct, theinlet is in fluid communication with the first chamber, the firstchamber is in fluid communication with the first lumen, the first lumenis in fluid communication with the second chamber, the second chamber isin fluid communication with the second lumen, and the second lumen is influid communication with a second outlet.
 11. The filter apparatus ofclaim 9, wherein when the first valve engages the first duct and thesecond valve engages the second lumen, the inlet is in fluidcommunication with the first chamber, the first chamber is in fluidcommunication with the first lumen, the first lumen is in fluidcommunication with the second chamber, the second chamber is fluidlycoupled to a third outlet.
 12. The filter apparatus of claim 8, whereinthe actuator mechanism is operatively coupled to the first valve andfurther operatively coupled to the second valve.
 13. The filterapparatus of claim 1, the actuator mechanism comprising: a gripselectively moveable to a first position, a second position, and thirdposition; and a spring biased to automatically return the grip to thefirst position from the second position and the third position.
 14. Thefilter apparatus of claim 13, wherein when the grip is the firstposition, the inlet is fluidly coupled to the first outlet.
 15. Thefilter apparatus of claim 14, wherein the first outlet is adapted todispense aerated water.
 16. The filter apparatus of claim 13, whereinwhen the grip is the second position, the inlet is fluidly coupled tothe second outlet.
 17. The filter apparatus of claim 16, wherein thesecond outlet is adapted to dispense water in a jet spray.
 18. Thefilter apparatus of claim 13, wherein when the grip is the thirdposition, the inlet is fluidly coupled to a third outlet.
 19. The filterapparatus of claim 18, wherein the third outlet is adapted to accept afiltered fluid flow from the filter cartridge assembly, furtheroperative to dispense the filtered fluid flow.
 20. The filter apparatusof claim 1, further comprising a connection assembly connecting theinlet to the faucet; and a water-tight radial seal operatively connectedto the connection assembly, the water-tight radial seal operative topivot the header assembly relative to the faucet while maintaining theintegrity of the water-tight seal.
 21. The filter apparatus of claim 1,wherein the filter cartridge assembly is mechanically and fluidlycoupled to the header assembly.
 22. The filter apparatus of claim 21,wherein the filter cartridge assembly includes a nipple adapted toengage a cup on the header assembly.
 23. The filter apparatus of claim1, wherein the filter cartridge assembly is removably connected to aheader assembly.
 24. The filter apparatus of claim 23, wherein: thefilter cartridge assembly further comprises at least one bayonet post;the header assembly further comprises at least one click; and the atleast one bayonet is adapted to engage the at least one clip.
 25. Thefilter apparatus of claim 24, wherein: the filter cartridge assemblyfurther comprises includes at least one button post; the header assemblyfurther comprises at least one slot; and the at least one button post isadapted to engage the at least one slot.
 26. The filter apparatus ofclaim 23, the filter cartridge assembly including a filter housingadapted to house a filter element.
 27. A filter apparatus adapted toconnect with a faucet, the water filter apparatus comprising: a headerassembly comprising: an inlet operative to accept a fluid flow; a firstoutlet operative to receive the fluid flow from the inlet; a filtercartridge assembly operatively coupled to the header assembly, thefilter cartridge operative to receive the fluid flow from the inlet andtransmit the fluid flow to the first outlet; a filter disposed withinthe filter cartridge assembly, the filter having a volume no greaterthan about 6.88 cubic inches.
 28. The filter apparatus of claim 28,wherein the filter element has a diameter of about 1.91 inches and alength of about 2.40 inches.
 29. The filter apparatus of claim 28,further comprising a filter monitoring system operative to monitor afirst parameter of the filter.
 30. The filter apparatus of claim 29, thefilter monitoring system comprising: a turbine operative to rotate whenwater is dispensed from the third outlet; a switch operative to count anumber of rotations of the turbine; and a processor in communicationwith the switch and receiving count information from the switch; whereinthe processor is operative to translate the count information into arunning total volume figure corresponding to a volume of water that haspassed through the filter; the total volume figure being the firstparameter.
 31. The filter apparatus of claim 30, wherein the processoris further operative to compare the total volume figure to a maximumvolume flow corresponding with the efficacy of the filter; and theprocessor is further operative to activate a first output signal whenthe total volume figure exceeds a first threshold.
 32. The filterapparatus of claim 30, further comprising a reset switch operative toreset the running total volume figure to zero upon replacement of afilter.
 33. The filter apparatus of claim 30, the filter monitoringsystem further comprising: at least one LED; and the processor adaptedto illuminate the LED to communicate information relating to theefficacy of the filter.
 34. The filter apparatus of claim 31, wherein:the processor is further operative to track a usage time sinceinstallation of the filter; and the processor is further operative toactivate a second output signal when the usage time exceeds a secondthreshold.
 35. A water filter apparatus comprising: a header assemblyhaving an inlet and at least one outlet; a filter cartridge assemblyoperatively coupled to the header assembly; and an actuator mechanismoperatively coupled to the header assembly and selectively operable toplace the filter apparatus in one of at least three modes of operation.36. The water filter apparatus of claim 35, wherein the at least threemodes of operation comprise: a first mode wherein aerated water isdispensed from the at least one outlet; a second mode wherein water in ajet spray is dispensed from the at least one outlet; and a third modewherein filtered water is dispensed from the at least one outlet. 37.The water filter apparatus of claim 35, the at least one outletcomprising: a first outlet adapted to dispense aerated water; a secondoutlet adapted to dispense water in a jet spray; and a third outletadapted to dispense filtered water.
 38. The water filter apparatus ofclaim 37, the first outlet comprising: an aerator; and a cup connectedto the header assembly and adapted to contain the aerator.
 39. The waterfilter apparatus of claim 37, second outlet comprising: a turbineincluding at least one blade; a chamber having a chamber inlet and achamber outlet, the chamber adapted to rotatably house the turbine; aplurality of jets operatively coupled to the chamber; wherein waterentering the chamber from the chamber inlet impacts the at least oneblade, causing the turbine to rotate; and wherein water exits thechamber through the chamber outlet and into the plurality of jets. 40.The water filter apparatus of claim 39, wherein the chamber includes aspindle and wherein the turbine is rotatably connected to the spindle.41. The water filter apparatus of claim 40, wherein the turbine includesa web adapted to block flow of water from the chamber to at least one ofthe plurality of jets.
 42. The water filter apparatus of claim 37, thesecond outlet further adapted to dispense water in a pulsating jetspray.
 43. The water filter apparatus of claim 37, the header assemblyfurther comprising: a manifold, a valve body, a first valve, and asecond valve.
 44. The water filter apparatus of claim 43, wherein themanifold defines a first chamber, a second chamber, a first duct, and asecond duct; and wherein the valve body defines a first lumen and asecond lumen.
 45. The water filter apparatus of claim 44, wherein whenthe first valve engages the first lumen, the inlet is in fluidcommunication with the first chamber and the first chamber is fluidlycoupled to the first outlet.
 46. The water filter apparatus of claim 43,wherein the actuator mechanism is operatively coupled to the first valveand the second valve.
 47. The water filter apparatus of claim 35, theactuator mechanism comprising: a grip selectively moveable to a firstposition corresponding with a first mode of operation, a second positioncorresponding with a second mode of operation, and a third positioncorresponding with a third mode of operation; and a spring biased toautomatically return the grip to the first position from the secondposition and the third position.
 48. The water filter apparatus of claim47, further comprising a connection assembly connecting the inlet withthe faucet, the connection assembly comprising a water-tight radial sealthat allows the header assembly pivot relative to the faucet withoutimpairing the integrity of the water-tight seal.
 49. The water filterapparatus of claim 35, wherein the filter cartridge assembly isremovably connected to a header assembly.
 50. The water filter apparatusof claim 35, wherein the filter cartridge assembly is mechanically andfluidly coupled to the header assembly.
 51. The water filter apparatusof claim 50, wherein the filter cartridge assembly includes a nippleadapted to engage a cup on the header assembly.
 52. The water filterapparatus of claim 50, wherein the filter cartridge assembly includes atleast one bayonet post adapted to engage at least one clip on the headerassembly.
 53. The water filter apparatus of claim 50, wherein the filtercartridge assembly includes at least one button post adapted to engageat least one slot on the header assembly.
 54. The water filter apparatusof claim 50, the filter cartridge assembly including a filter housingadapted to house a filter element.
 55. The water filter apparatus ofclaim 54, wherein the filter element is constructed from charcoal. 56.The water filter apparatus of claim 54, wherein the filter element has adiameter of about 1.91 inches and a length of about 2.40 inches.
 57. Thewater filter apparatus of claim 54, wherein the filter cartridgeassembly defines a volume of about 6.88 cubic inches.
 58. The waterfilter apparatus of claim 35, further comprising a filter monitoringsystem adapted to monitor an efficacy of a filter to determine if thefilter is in need of replacement.
 59. The water filter apparatus ofclaim 58, the filter monitoring system comprising: a turbine adapted torotate when water is dispensed from the at least one outlet; a switchadapted to counts a number of rotations of the turbine; and a processorin communication with the switch and receiving count information fromthe switch; and wherein the processor translates the count informationinto a running total volume figure corresponding with a volume of waterthat has passed through the filter.
 60. The water filter apparatus ofclaim 59, wherein the processor compares the total volume figure with amaximum volume flow corresponding with the efficacy of the filter. 61.The water filter apparatus of claim 59, further comprising a resetswitch adapted to reset the running total volume figure to zero when thefilter is replaced.
 62. The water filter apparatus of claim 59, thefilter monitoring system further comprising: at least one LED; andwherein the processor is adapted to illuminate the LED to communicateinformation relating to the efficacy of the filter.
 63. A water filterapparatus comprising: a header assembly having and inlet and at leastone outlet; a filter cartridge assembly operatively coupled to theheader assembly; a connection assembly adapted to connect the inlet witha faucet and including a water-tight seal between the inlet and thefaucet; and wherein the connection assembly allows the header assemblyto pivot about the faucet without compromising the water-tight seal. 64.The water filter apparatus of claim 63, wherein the connection assemblycomprises: a nipple adapted to threadedly engage the faucet, the nippledefining a ledge; an O-ring adapted to receive the nipple; a cap havinga rim adapted to engage the ledge on the nipple, the cap adapted tothreadedly engage the inlet on the header assembly; and wherein theinlet defines a cup adapted to receive a portion of the nipple and theO-ring.
 65. The water filter apparatus of claim 63, further comprisingan actuator mechanism operatively coupled to the header assembly andselectively operable to place the filter apparatus in one of at leastthree modes of operation.
 66. The water filter apparatus of claim 65,wherein the at leaset three modes of operation comprise: a first modewherein aerated water is dispensed from the at least one outlet; asecond mode wherein water in a jet spray is dispensed from the at leastone outlet; and a third mode wherein filtered water is dispensed fromthe at least one outlet.
 67. The water filter apparatus of claim 65, theat least one outlet comprising: a first outlet adapted to dispenseaerated water; a second outlet adapted to dispense water in a jet spray;and a third outlet adapted to dispense filtered water.
 68. The waterfilter apparatus of claim 65, the actuator mechanism comprising: a gripselectively moveable to a first position corresponding with a first modeof operation, a second position corresponding with a second mode ofoperation, and a third position corresponding with a third mode ofoperation; and a spring biased to automatically return the grip to thefirst position from the second position and the third position.
 69. Afilter apparatus adapted to connect with a faucet, the water filterapparatus comprising: a header assembly having an inlet and threeoutlets; a means for filtering operatively coupled with the headerassembly; a means for selectively fluidly coupling the inlet with anyone of the three outlets.
 70. A filter apparatus, comprising: an inletoperative to receive a water flow; a first valve operative to accept thewater flow from the inlet; a second valve operatively connected to theinlet; and an actuator mechanism operative to divert the water flow tothe first valve by occupying a first position, further operative todivert the water flow to the second valve by occupying a secondposition; and a filter operative to receive the water flow from thefirst valve; wherein after occupying one of the first and secondpositions for a period of time, the actuator mechanism occupies a thirdposition.
 71. The filter apparatus of claim 70, wherein the thirdposition prevents water flow to either of the first and second valves.72. The filter apparatus of claim 71, further comprising an aeratoroperably connected to the filter, operative to receive the water flowfrom the filter and aerate the water flow; a first outlet operablyconnected to the aerator to dispense an aerated water flow.